9.30.2011

9.26.2011

Wait until the sunlight is sparkling perfectly through the changing leaves, and the shadows of the trees stretch like giants across the lawn. Step outside. Feel the brisk air. Smile. Marvel at the Autumn beauty that surrounds you. Enjoy as the sky slowly turns from blue, to orange, to fading pink. Be amazed. Savor every moment. Keep dreaming.

9.22.2011

--the way you crawl up in my lap, and snuggle in, then look up at me and say: "Mama's baby."

--the way you have a bedtime checklist of your favorite toys, and call out to them as you walk to your room: "Oh Blumpy (blanket)? Where are you?" You love sleeping with 2 or 3 trains, your blanket, a monkey, dog, bunny, and Scooby-Doo.

--the way you sing so sweetly.

--the way you always say "It's ready!" if you hear the oven or microwave beep.

--the way you put your fingers to my mouth, and stretch it into a smiling position and say: "Happy, Mama?"

--the way you lay on your beanbag by the back door, kicking your feet on the glass and yelling at the dogs: "Kota! Lulu!"

9.16.2011

9.15.2011

Autumn is almost here. Gone are the days of slapping on sunscreen at the pool, and I'm totally okay with that. I'm barreling head first into Fall, bidding farewell to flip-flops and picnics and backyard barbecues, and saying hello to cozy sweaters, football games, and pumpkin spice candles.

I love this time of year.

We ventured out, on the first crisp, cool night of September, to the quaint corner bookstore to browse the shelves, and left with warm vanilla lattes and white chocolate mochas in hand. Sweet Hudson had easily fallen asleep in his stroller to the sounds of whispering bookworms, faint sounds of Van Morrison on the overhead stereo, and the comforting hum of the Espresso machine.

Afterwards, we walked down by Cold Water Falls to enjoy the moonlight and the first taste of glorious Autumn.

9.13.2011

Hudson and I went to Spring Park to enjoy some fun at the Oka Kapassa Festival. This special weekend marked the return of over twelve different Native American tribes to Tuscumbia, Alabama, where many of their ancestors once lived before they were forcibly removed from the area.

We saw an intertribal friendship dance. We heard traditional drum music. We saw demonstrations of pottery and basket making. I got hairstyle ideas from all the pretty braids I saw on the pretty Cherokee girls. And, I bought an adorable, beaded necklace from the sweetest, elderly Chickasaw lady for only five dollars.

A little bit of culture in the late summer sunshine with my favorite little guy AND a unique addition to my jewelry collection? That's my idea of a good time.

9.07.2011

Martha Stewart called the breakfast she ate there the "best she ever had."

Celebrities and dignitaries from around the world stop by to enjoy the world's greatest made from scratch biscuits and country suppers.

It's the Loveless Cafe. A Nashville Landmark since 1951, when Lon and Annie Loveless began selling their delicious fried chicken and biscuits from their front door to travelers on Highway 100. While updates have been made to the original restaurant, and the beautiful grounds that surround the cafe, one thing hasn't changed: their penchant for creating the most mouth-watering Southern-style food.

We waited over an hour for a seat, along with lots of other folks. We sat in wooden rockers that were gathered on the green grass, a circle of strangers with hungry tummies. At a quiet moment, to my surprise, Hudson approached the center of the chair formation, stood tall, and suddenly began singing his ABC's, very loudly with a proud smile. A true Leo...he loves to be the center of attention, and took delight in performing for the waiting Loveless guests.

And then we ate. And ate & ate & ate some more. There was homemade creamed corn, country green beans, fluffy mashed potatoes with gravy and fried green tomatoes. There was crispy fried chicken. And last, but certainly not least, there were delicious, buttery biscuits with homemade peach, strawberry, and blackberry preserves.